In this article Marco Serrajotto tells us about his filed trip in Oregon, where in June 2017, he had the chance to observe in the wild Darlingtonia californica in the wild and Andrea Amici and Adrian Fawcett tell us about their experience in growing this fascinating plant.

* Drosera coccipetala: - di Maurizio Saroldi

Drosera coccipetala, a winter growing sundew endemic to South Africa, very rare in cultivation, with large red flowers, an uncommon colour in genus Drosera, is here presented by Maurizio Saroldi who also gives some cultivation tips.

* Un resoconto su Nepenthes ampullaria Jack: - di Richard Nunn

An account of Nepenthes ampullaria Jack, one of the most iconic and unique species of Nepenthes, a widespread species of lowland Nepenthes that occurs in Peninsula Malaysia, Borneo, New Guinea, Singapore, Sumatra, Thailand, and the Maluku Islands.

Nepenthes ampullaria over the entirety of its range shows spectacular diversity in pitcher coloration; here six of the most brilliant clones by Jacky Chiêm of Chiêm Exotics Plants (a Nepenthes nursery based in Vietnam), registered as cultivars on CPN 47 (2018), are presented.

* Le novità del 2017: - di AA. VV.

A summary of the news of 2017 from the world of carnivorous plants with photos and brief descriptions of each species.

The aim of this concise review article is to inform the AIPC rea¬dership about the current state of knowledge on the bladderwort trapping principles, trap mechanics and functional morphology. Recent biophysical investigations have elucidated the deformation of the ultra-fast trapdoor, have shed light on the actual process of prey capture and prey-trap interrelations, and have shown a broad variety in trap architecture, entailing different modes of trap functioning and involved motion patterns.

The Nepenthes population from the Phang Nga Province previously placed under N. mirabilis var. globosa is moved under a new taxon, described as N. orbiculata.

* Ragionando di Sarracenia leucophylla: - di Andrea Amici

Some considerations by Andrea Amici about one of the most specta¬cular Sarracenia of his collection: S. leucophylla L87 MK. An enthusiastic praise to its peculiarities: gigantism, posture and excessive proportions that make it look almost aggressive.

Numero 49: marzo 2018

Articoli principali:

* Gita carnivora in Abruzzo: - di G.Basso e M. Saroldi

A report by Gabriele Basso who, in 2016, with Maurizio Saroldi, visited Abruzzo, a marvellous region from a naturalistic point of view, but also rich in culture and traditions and, above all, in Pinguicula (three species, P. vulgaris and the endemic P. fiorii and P. vallis-regiae, two subspecies, P. vulgaris subsp. ernica and P. vulgaris subsp. vestina and, just across the border of the region he had also the chance to see P. vulgaris subsp. anzalonei). Unfortunately, a region hit by terrible earthquakes in recent years that have caused many victims.The funds raised from the sale of this journal will be entirely donated to the population of Campotosto, an Abruzzo village with the sad record of having been near the epicentres of the worst earthquakes that have hit central Italy in recent years; for donations visit our website www.aipcnet.it.

Numero 48: dicembre 2017

Articoli principali:

* La scoperta di Nepenthes nebularum: - di Geoff Mansell

The details that led up to the search and discovery of Nepenthes ne¬bularum Mansell & Suarez 2016. A critical analysis of the species and a comparison to N. robcantleyi and what led to the conclusion that N. nebularum was distinct from it. A comparison between N. nebularum, N. robcantleyi and N. truncata; the similarities and differences. The di¬scussion as to why the current progeny of N. robcantleyi, ‘Queen of He¬arts’ × ‘King of Spades’ cannot be used as comparators to N. nebularum.

The three Drosera species endemic to the central and northern Andes, D. cendeensis Tamayo & Croizat, D. peruensis T. R. S. Silva & M. D. Correa and the recently published D. condor Gonella, A. Fleischm. & Rivadavia, are described here. These species are quite unknown among carnivorous plants lovers and very few people have observed them in habitat and even their pictures are almost unobtainable.

* Alla ricerca di Drosera condor: - di Fernando Rivadavia

A field trip report from the Cordillera del Condor on the Ecuador- Peru border, where Fernando Rivadavia at the beginning of the last Sepetember found the recently described Drosera condor Gonella, A. Fleischm. & Rivadavia, a new mysterious specie, rarely observed in the wild which is closely related to two other Andean sundews, D. cendeen¬sis and D. peruensis.

Pinguicula jackii Barnhart, a very rare species endemic to the Sierra del Escambray mountain range of Central Cuba published in 1931, is described here by Andreas Fleishmann and Maurizio Saroldi who tell us about their experience in growing this unique blue-flowered Pinguicula.

Drosera rotundifolia has been recently discovered in a highland peat bog on Mt Limbawon, on the island of Mindanao, Philippines. This is the second record of the species from Malesia and from the tropics. Here an excerpt from the original publication by F. P. Coritico and A. Fleischmann (2016), “The first record of the boreal bog species Drosera rotundifolia (Droseraceae) from the Philippines, and a key to the Philippine sundews.

Numero 47: settembre 2017

Articoli principali:

* Considerazioni sul XX Meeting AIPC - di Francesco Ravagli

Some consideration about XX Italian Meeting of past June, from Francesco Ravagli, AIPC Chairman. We are all confident for the future of our Association and for the next meetings.

The use of scented traps for prey attraction has been reported from a few genera of carnivorous plants, especially in the pitcher plant genera, in Drosophyllum lusitanicum but also in Dionaea and Pinguicula; curiously, in Drosera, the largest genus of carnivorous plants, there have been almost no reports about scented traps thus far, although a few species are obviously equipped with a typical scent of their leaves: here a discussion on its probable connection to prey attraction in combination with the visually attractive coloration of lamina and the glistening mucilage of the glands.

A summary of the news of 2016 from the world of carnivorous plants with photos and brief descriptions of each species.

Numero 46: giugno 2017

Articoli principali:

* Stylidium: piante carnivore ? - di Douglas Darnowski

Australian triggerplants trap small insects using mucilage-secreting glandular hairs held at various points on their inflorescence stems, flower parts and leaves. All of these elements taken together provide strong evidence of carnivory in Stylidium.

* Nepenthes tayninhensis - di Marcello Catalano

A new species of Nepenthes from Vietnam.

* Utricolarie sul davanzale - di Ivan Ivanov

The experience of Ivan Ivanov in growing indoor carnivorous plants, especially epiphytic Utricularia, on the windowsill of his flat.

* Sarracenia "Iamsatyricon" - di Andrea Amici

A new cultivar created by Andrea Amici, named after the nickname used on the Internet by Marco Pezzilli, a dear friend who tragically passed away 2 years ago.

Numero 45: marzo 2017

Articoli principali:

* Viaggio sul monte Kiamo - di Andy Smith

Andy Smith presents the two new species of Nepenthes

* Trappole di Venere - di Andrea Amici

Andrea Amici , one of the greatest Italian experts in the cultivation of carnivorous plants, and especially of Venus flytrap, tells how in recent years he has been cultivating this extraordinary plant. By studying its native habitat, Andrea has varie the growth conditions with amazing results.

* Meeting 2017 - di Graziella Antonello

Observations and suggestions for the next national meeting in Mira on June 17-18.

* Progetti di conservazione - di Giulio Pandeli

Giulio Pandeli, Coordinator of AIPC Conservation Projects, gives an update on the projects currently underway.

* Incontri a Brescia

The agenda of monthly educational events and lectures that the group of AIPC members from the province of Brescia organizes at the city Natural History Museum.

Numero 44: dicembre 2016

Articoli principali:

* Sarracenialand– di M. Serrajotto

A field
trip report by Marco Serrajotto, who in 2015, moved by his passion for Sarracenia and by the curiosity to
observe them in their natural habitat, visited the “carnivorous focus areas” of
the Gulf of Mexico, from Georgia to Texas, where he met several species of Sarracenia, but also Drosera, Dionaea, Pinguicula and Utricularia.

* Nepenthes del vietnam– di R. Nunn e Chiem Nguyen Anh Vu

It is the
goal of this paper to provide an account of the Nepenthes taxa found in Vietnam and in particular to document the
occurrence of Nepenthes kampotiana and
update the conservation status of Nepenthes
thorelii. In October 2015, the authors conducted a field trip to Vietnam to
establish without doubt the number of taxa found in Vietnam. This paper will give
an account of that field trip and also discuss the botanical history, ecology,
taxonomy and conservation status of Nepenthes
in Vietnam. For the purposes of this paper, the Nepenthes taxa found in Vietnam will be recognized as distinct in
keeping with the taxonomy of Mey (2009) and Mcpherson (2009). This decision is
supported by the recognizable morphology of each taxa in the field. It must be
noted that there has yet to be a molecular based study to support these
conclusions.

* La coltivazione in cesti, non solo per le epifite– di K. Banas

Cultivation
in hanging baskets: a perfect habitat for epiphytes and a good method to gain
new growing space for carnivorous plants.

* La prima monografia completa del genere Pinguicula– di G. Basso

A review by Gabriele Basso
of the recently published books “Pingcuicula of the
Temperate North”and “Pingcuicula of Latin
America”, which
for the first time document all the butterworts of the world.

Drosera species are endemic to south-west
of Western Australia; they have evolved on sands and ironstone and it can be
observed that some species are endemic to pale (white) sands, some species to
yellow sand and others to laterite/ironstone gravel. A few species have evolved
on peat-based soils in the coastal swamps found in the region, but there is
nowhere near the species density that can be found on sand and laterite. In
this article the impact of soil type on Pygmy Drosera distribution is
introduced.

Hans Lambers presents some
great sites to visit on short field trips in the Kwongkan region, in
south-western Australia, an area very rich in biodiversity where plant life has
evolved on some of the world’s most nutrient-impoverished sandy soils and where
it is possible to observe many carnivorous plants species.

Some comments by the organizers on positive and negative aspects of the XIX National Meeting of AIPC, toghert with short reports and impressions by the speakers of the 4 workshop which have characterized the meeting.

A field trip report by
Gabriele Basso who, in 2015, with Maurizio Saroldi and Giulio Pandeli, visited
Sardinia to observe in the wild the recently described Pinguicula sehuensis,
the first butterwort reported from the island.

An introduction
to the last revision of Pinguicula crystallina/hirtiflora-complex (Fleischmann
2015), the current situation of the station of P. hirtiflora var. hirtiflora from
Rossano Calabro (Calabria, Italy) after the flood occurred August 12, 2015 and
the initiatives to save this precious population.

* Le novità del 2015 – di A. Baruscotti

A summary of the news of
2015 from the world of carnivorous plant with photos and brief descriptions of
each species.

Drosera
magnifica Rivadavia & Gonella, the
largest New World sundew from Minas Gerais (southeastern Brazil) and one of the
three largest Drosera species, has just recently been discovered through
photographs posted on the social network Facebook.

* Viaggio nell'Arcipelago delle Filippine – di A. Bianchi

A field trip report by Andrea Bianchi, who
in 2015, moved from his passion for Nepenthes, took part in a botanical
expedition in the archipelago of the Philippines, where he met several species
of Nepenthes, among them: N. sibuyanensis, N. argentii, N.
copelandii, N. leonardoi, N. attenboroughii, N. aff. robcantleyi
(a species under description related to N. robcantleyi and N.
truncata), and the first hybrid of Palawan, N.leonardoi × N.
philippinensis.

* Macrofotografia e fotografia naturalistica – di G. Fiocca

Through the story of the two lectures by
Richard Nunn and Gianfranco Bedoschi during the last AIPC meetings, Graziano
Fiocca talks about his views and experiences on macro and nature photography.

* Nebulizzazione Green Energy per Nepenthes – di G. Marcantoni

Master electrician Gianni Marcantoni
describes how to make a “green energy” nebulizer, independent from the domestic
power supply which uses solar energy instead.

Numero 40: dicembre 2015

Articoli principali:

* Revisione botanica di Pinguicula ramosa Miyoshi – di H. Shimai

Pinguicula ramosa Miyoshi (Lentibulariaceae), endemic to Japan, is one of the most unique Pinguicula species often having a branched pedicel. Ecologically it occurs on cliffs formed by tuffs, porous volcanic rocks, which is also unusual as many Pinguicula species can be more commonly found on calcareous soils or serpentinite rocks. However, little attention has been previously given to this tiny endangered species with very few references in the literature outside of Japan, or even in there. To reveal the species, observations of the plants in situ, herbarium specimen examinations, and review of the literature have been performed. In addition, comparisons with morphologically and phylogenetically closely related species, P. variegata Turcz. and P. villosa L., will be summarised. This work is a botanical review overall P. ramosa discussing its morphology, distribution, taxonomy, ecology, history, conservation, and other scientific matters.

New insights into the true growth cycle of Cephalotus follicularis by Richard Nunn, who has made numerous visits to many C. follicularis swamps over the past 10 years: a cycle that may be much longer than first thought.

* Propagazione in vitro di piante carnivore – di V. Guidolin

Micropropagation of carnivorous plnats: introduction and overview on various aspects such as the culture medium, the choice of the starting plant material, the various stages of cultivation (introducing in vitro, multiplication and rooting, acclimatization).

* EEE 2015 - Lione – di A. M. Rivolta

A report from the European Carnivorous Plant Exhibition and Exchange 2015, which this year had been organized by Dionée (Association Francophone des Amateurs de Plantes Carnivores) within the Botanical Garden of Lyon.

Numero 39: settembre 2015

Articoli principali:

* Le novità del 2014

A summary, as complete as possible, of the carnivorous plants published during 2014 with photos and brief descriptions but no disquisition about the validity or not of these new plants. The issue also contains Nepenthes ultra, Utricularia fenshamii, U. ameliae, U. barkeri, U. grampiana and U. lowriei, species published in 2013 but which had not been included in the article “Le novità del 2013” (AIPCMagazine n. 34).

New researches describe the catapult-flypaper-trap of Drosera glanduligera, the fastest active trapping mechanism of the genus Drosera. Here are the results of these studies with a short guide on the cultivation of this incredible plant.

* Borneo: Sabah e Sarawak – di C. Maerten

A long journey through some of the most important National Natural Parks of Borneo in search of carnivorous plants, especially Nepenthes, among many difficulties typical of the climate and geography of the island.

* Coltivazione di Pinguicula filifolia– di M. Saroldi

The experience of Maurizio Saroldi, step by step, in growing the Cuban Pinguicula filifolia, one of the most interesting species of the genus Pinguicula, for its long, erect, linear-filiform leaves, a species still quite rare in cultivation.

We present four cultivars created and regularly registered with the ICPS by Italian carnivorous plants growers.

Numero 36: dicembre 2014

Articoli principali:

* La drosera della Nuova Caledonia– di Boaz Ng

Drosera neocaledonica is the only species of Drosera that grows in New Caledonia. Here, after the description of the main geographical, climatic and geological features of the island, the author describes this wonderful species and gives some tips for its proper cultivation.

A field trip report from the Arnhem Land Plateau area of the Northern Territory of Australia, where Zig Madycki, at the beginning of 2014, visited a site in an area locally called Ikoymarrwa, finding many Utricularia species, all growing within a radius of about 50 metres of one another bordering a permanent creek.

* Coltivazione di Aldrovanda vesiculosa– di L. Argirò

The experience of Luca Argirò, a young AIPC member particularly fond of aquatic plants, in the cultivation of the temperate variant of Aldrovanda vesiculosa. After a brief presentation of this species, the author tells us, step by step, how he built his paludarium, where he successfully grows this wonderful and fascinating carnivorous plant.

A report from a trip to Southern Thailand, with Nepenthes rosea described as a new species of the N. thorelii aggregate. Discovery, habitat and morphology of a unique taxon belonging to one of the most confusing groups within the genus.

Giulio Pandeli, Coordinator of Conservation Projects of Italian Carnivorous Plant Society, reveals his first results from an 8 year census on various poorly understood species of temperate Pinguicula from the Tuscan-Emilian Appenines and Apuan Alps.

New Guinea is an island of extremes: it harbors the world’s largest connective rain forests, damp lowland swamps and the highest mountains in south-east Asia. Vast areas of this island are still covered with untouched wilderness. Andreas and Thomas report on an expedition that aimed at documenting Nepenthes paniculata, a species of pitcher plant that was elusive to science for about 90 years. Furthermore they provide evidence that Nepenthes oblanceolata is a distinct species on its own and not a variety of Nepenthes maxima. Most other Nepenthes species of Papua as well as other interesting plants, such as ant plants (including a new species) and notes on land and people are presented in their lecture.

The talk has provided an overview of artificial lighting for cultivation. Key concepts underlying photosynthesis have been introduced followed by a description of how light is evaluated and measured for horticultural purposes. Current technologies available for indoor growing have been discussed and compared, including LED and fluorescent lighting. Demonstrations have been set up with measuring equipment and light sources. Finally, work has been presented regarding the optimization of LED illumination systems for carnivorous plant growing applications in the future.

In Mexico most of the tropical-heterphyllous Pinguicula species are growing in climate conditions that are characterized by a dry winter season and a rainy summer season. To survive the dry winter months most species have been adapting to these conditions by forming a winter rosette with non-carnivorous leaves. One group of species do form an onion-like winter rosette with succulent leaves that is staying during the hot and dry period under the soil surface. The author has described distribution, has showed some habitat information including accompanying Pinguicula species, has illustrated the major morphological characters and has given some cultivation experience for the species Pinguicula macrophylla, P. heterophylla, P. acuminata, P. medusina, P. parvifolia, P. oblongiloba, P. orchidioides and P. calderoniae.

The tuberous Drosera need very specific conditions: a wet period from fall to spring during which they complete a full growth cycle and a dry period from spring to fall which they spend as a dormant tuber buried deep enough in the soil to be protected from the extreme heat which can hit their habitats. The plants stick to this growth cycle in culture. This behavior makes their cultivation more challenging than species growing under the same conditions throughout the year. In his lecture Dieter Kadereit has explained how you can successfully grow and propagate these interesting plants.

Growers and carnivorous plants’ lovers tend to see themselves as pioneers, particularly in Italy. However, the knowledge of these plants finds many testimonies in nineteenth and twentieth centuries’ publishing, both as a natural curiosity and as subjects of cultivation. A bibliographic path is proposed, with no claim to completeness, looking for these plants until the outset of the modern book, with particular attention to the genera Dionaea and Sarracenia, not neglecting to take a look at the way cultural perception of carnivorous plants evolved to the present day, from the mythological man-eating trees up to science fiction.

Robert Cantley has explained the meaning and purpose of CPSG, the IUCN group devoted to the carnivorous plants, inviting all those interested in to join the group through the dedicated website (www. iucn-cpsg.org). Anyone who signs up, will receive the CPSG Newsletter, but, above all, will contribute with his own knowledge, skills, and with his own time, to the conservation of carnivorous plants.

The importance of carnivorous plants breeding: Miroslav Srba, after an overview of the history of the genus Nepenthes in cultivation and an introduction to some important principles of genetics and breeding, has discussed the perspectives of carnivorous plants breeding, accompanying his presentation with beautiful examples from different carnivorous plants genera.

Numero 34: giugno 2014

Articoli principali:

* La variabilità di Sarracenia flava - di M. Srba

The following article summarizes current literature data and author’s experience in infraspecific variability of Sarracenia flava L.; basic classification of color varieties was reviewed by D. Schnell who established two of the currently accepted varieties (Schnell 1998). It has been recently described also an anthocyanin-free form (S. McPherson & D. E. Schnell 2011). Fine variations within each microtaxa are described, incl. genetic, evolution and biogeographical context. Some extraordinary mutant plants, such as the lidless one, are described. Collector’s growing tips are included as well.

* Viaggio in Tasmania - di A. Smith

Invited by Stewart McPherson to join him on a field trip to Tasmania, Andy Smith and the team managed to locate the rare Drosera arcturi in the wetter places on Mount Welling­ton. Further to this, a surprising giant form was also found in the Hartz Mountains. This has since been published in 2014 by Lowrie & Conran as Drosera murfetii. In addition to these primitive sundews, several other native carnivorous plants were seen in the wild, including the sundews Drosera auriculata, D. pygmaea, D. binata and D. spatulata, as well some bladderworts, namely Utricularia monanthos, U. dichotoma, U. uniflora, U. australis and U. laterifolia. Along with orchids, trigger plants, tree ferns and grass trees, the stunning landscape of Tasmania proves to be both fascinating and botanically rich.

* Il terrario universale a risparmio energetico - di G. Marcantoni

Master electrician Gianni Marcantoni describes how to make a universal terrarium with both heating and refrigerant system. This type of terrarium will make it possible to cultivate the more demanding plants setting the optimal temperatures.

* Le novità del 2013 - di A. Baruscotti e M. Saroldi

A summary of the news of 2013 from the world of carnivorous plants, newly de­scribed plants with brief description and, if possible, photos.

Numero 33: marzo 2014

Speciale monografia:

* Il progetto conservazione di AIPC - di G. Pandeli

Conservation Projects are one of the primary purposes of AIPC. In this article Giulio Pandeli, in charge of the Conservation Projects, tells us about what has been done and what AIPC is doing for the study and conservation of carnivorous plants in Italy, describing the species of our country and recommending those few precautions useful to respect their ecosystems, so important but increasingly threatened.

Numero 32 - dicembre 2013

Articoli principali:

* Lentibulariaceae dell'Ecuador - di F. Tobar

Francisco Tobar describes five Lentibulariaceae native to his home Country of Ecuador that he has observed in the wild: Pinguicula calyptrata, Utricularia asplundii, U. endresii, U. jamesoniana and U. unifolia.

A field trip report by Stefano Zanon on several tuberous sundew species (D. auriculata, D. praefolia, D. whittakeri and D. macrantha subsp. planchonii), as well as D. binata and D. pygmaea in the Fleurieu Peninsula, Southern Australia.

Sarracenia purpurea in Europe: a brief history of the species (by Stewart McPher­son); some observations of allochthonous, neophytes and invasive plants (by Ales­sio Maccagni); an overview of the situation in Europe (by Elena Severgnini); two reports on introduced populations, one in England (by Stewart McPherson) and another in Switzerland (By Alessio Maccagni).

The introduction of Sarracenia purpurea subsp. purpurea in the Laurel Summit State Park in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, USA. An overview of population growth, size, and health since it's original introduction in the 1950's.

Giulio Pandeli, Coordinator of Conservation Projects of Italian Carnivorous Plant Society, reveals his first results from an 8 year census on various poorly understood species of temperate Pinguicula from the Tuscan-Emilian Appenines (North-Central Mountains of Italy).

* Coltivare sotto LED bianchi - di G. Marcantoni

Master electrician Gianni Marcantoni reports on the use of white LED lamps and suggests a simple formula to determine the optimal watts to illuminate our terraria.

* Le novità del 2012 - di A. Baruscotti

A summary of the news of 2012 from the world of carnivorous plants, newly described species and varieties, with photos and brief descriptions of each species.

Numero 30 - giugno 2013

Articoli principali:

* Nepenthes attenboroughii - di S. McPherson

Stewart McPherson’s field trip report on the discovery of Nepenthes attenboroughii, a spectacular giant pitcher plant from the island of Palawan, Philippines.

An in depth discussion of the endangered green pitcher plant, Sarracenia oreophila(Kearney) Wherry, from its discovery in 1858 to the present day. An accurate botanical description, review of its seasonal growth cycle, distribution, conservation status in the wild, and cultivation preferences.

An excerpt from the lecture held by Alessandro Ferri at the AIPC national meeting 2012 in Padova, devoted to the symbiotic relationship of Roridula gorgonias and Roridula dentata with Pameridea roridulae and Pameridea marlothii. These insects can move on the leaves of these plants without being trapped, so they can eat the captured insects and feed the plant with their feces.

* Racconto di Viaggio in Corsica - di G. Antonello

An excerpt from the lecture held by Emilio Paoletti at the National AIPC meeting in Mira, in 2010. The lecture was devoted to his field trip to Corsica, in July 2009, with Gabriele Basso and Maurizio Saroldi, looking for carnivorous plants such as Pinguicula corsica and Drosera rotundifoliavar. corsica in the beautiful natural environment of the island.

* Cephalotus follicularis - riproduzione agamica - di A. Baruscotti

A guide by Anna Baruscotti dealing with the different methods of the asexual propagation of Cephalotus follicularis: cuttings from leaf, pitcher, root and scape or division of the rhizome.

* Novità in AIPC - di G. Antonello e F. Ravagli

In September 2012 was held the first National AIPC meeting at the historic Botanical Garden of Padua, the oldest in Europe. On this occasion the new Committee was elected. Here you can find a report on the events and the presentation of the new Committee.

Numero 27 - settembre 2012

Articoli principali:

* Philcoxia: un nuovo genere di piante carnivore - di A. Fleishmann

A recent detailed study by Pereira et al. (2012) shows compelling evidence for carnivory in the genus Philcoxia, a small taxon of three rare and enigmatic plant species from Brazil.

* Alla ricerca delle pinguicole di Cuba occidentale - di Y. Domìnguez

Yoannis Domínguez, a young Cuban botanist, takes us on a journey to explore different habitats of the 3 Pinguicula species occurring in western Cuba. During his journeys, he has also seen other carnivorous plants such as Genlisea, Utricularia and Drosera that share the habitat with the Cuban butterworts.

Here you can download a free PDF English version of the article “Searching for West CubanPinguicula”:

A review of the recently published book, “Aldrovanda - The Waterwheel Plant” by Adam Cross, that represents the first comprehensive monograph of this extraordinary genus.

Numero 26 - giugno 2012

Articoli principali:

* Nepenthes alba e Nepenthes gracillima - di S. McPherson

Nepenthes alba and N. gracillima, two spectacular pitcher plants from Mount Tahan, in Pahang (Malaysia), often mistakenly identified under incorrect names since they were discovered and described, about a century ago. In 2008 Stewart McPherson travelled to Mount Tahan and understood the correct taxonomy of the Nepenthesof that mountain.

* Roraima: il sogno proibito - di R. e D. Cateni

A field trip report by Riccardo and Daniela Cateni, who in 2011, moved from their particular passion for Heliamphora, spent their summer holydays in Venezuela. During their trip, that inclu­ded 3 days on the delta of the Orinoco River, 3 days at the Angel Falls, and a 8 days trekking on Ro­raima, they met several carnivorous plants species: Heliamphora, Drosera, Utricularia, Genlisea.

A guide by Gregory Allan for growing tropical annual Byblis: from germination to the treatment of adult plants. This article also include the descriptions of the 5 annual species as they appear in Gregory’s conditions.

A guide by Alessandro Ferri for growing perennial Byblis; in particular Alessandro tells us about his experience with B. gigantea, a species he grows with great success.

* Byblis: considerazioni sull'autofertilità - di A. Lowrie e I. Takai

Some observations by Isao Takai and Allen Lowrie about allogamy in genus Byblis, deduced from their extensive studies in cultivation and breeding of all Byblis taxa and from observations of the species in the wild.

* News - "Australian Carnivorous Plants" - di G. Agosti

Here we present the new book “Australian Carnivorous Plants” by Greg Bourke and Richard Nunn: a beautiful work dedicated to highlighting the beauty of Australian carnivorous plants in the wild through high quality photographs. It includes the first complete listing of all currently known carnivorous plants of Australia.

Numero 25 - marzo 2012

Speciale monografia:

* Le novità del 2011

A summary of the news of 2011 from the world of carnivorous plants (newly described species, subspecies, varieties, forms, new descriptions for not validly published plants, emended descriptions for wrongly identified species) with photos and brief description of each species. This issue also contains the news of the recently proved carnivory in the genus Philcoxia.

Here you can download a free PDF English version of AIPCMagazine n. 25:

Nepenthes sibuyanensis and Nepenthes argentii, endemic to the summits of Mount Guiting-Guiting and Mount Mayo on Sibuyan Island, are two of the most spectacular and interesting of all pitcher plants. In this article Stewart McPherson describes their main features and their remote and inaccessible habitats.

* Viaggio in Florida - di X. Cotta

A field trip report by Xavier Cotta, who in May 2011 visited Florida to know this beautiful state, its flora and fauna but, above all, to observe in the wild the carnivorous plants that grow in this wonderful region: Sarracenia, Drosera, Pinguicula and Utricularia.

An interesting overview about the main techniques used to propagate Sarracenia. In particular it is described a little known method to propagate this genus by leaf-cutting.

* I nuovi libri di Stewart McPherson - di G. Antonello

“Sarraceniaceae of North America” by S. McPherson and D. Schnell, and “Sarraceniaceae of South America” by S. McPherson, A. Wistuba, A. Fleischmann and J. Nerz, are two new books that provides the first complete study of the full diversity, ecology and taxonomy of all recognised species of the three genera of Sarraceniaceae (Darlingtonia, Heliamphora and Sarracenia), including twenty-four new species, varieties and forms of American pitcher plants.

Numero 23 - settembre 2011

Articoli principali:

* Un nuovo ordine naturale - di S. McPherson

In 1875 Charles Darwin published “Insectivorous plants”, a revolutionary and highly controversial book claiming certain plants kill and digest insects and other small animals. The radical findings initially met ridicule and even accusations of blasphemy, but echoing the release of “On the Origin of Species” sixteen years earlier, the truth of Darwin’s observations outlasted the critics and forever changed our view of the order of the natural world.

A report by Dieter Kadereit, where he summarizes his own observations and methods for the germination of winter growing sundews. The methods described work for most species, ranging from winter growing South African species to Australian tuberous Drosera.

* Drosera ultramafica - di S. Castelli

Drosera ultramafica, a new montane sundew species endemic to ultramafic soils of the Malesian highlands, has been recently described in the article “Drosera ultramafica (Droseraceae), a new sundew species of the ultramafic flora of the Malesian highlands”, Blumea 56, 2011: 10-15, by A. Fleischmann, A. S. Robinson, S. McPherson, V. Heinrich, E. Gironella, D. A. Madulid. Here is an excerpt from the original publication.

Numero 22 - giugno 2011

Articoli principali:

* Piante carnivore e pipistrelli - di M. Saroldi

The mutualistic relationships between the variant “elongata” of Nepenthes rafflesiana and the Hardwicke’s woolly bat (Kerivoula hardwickii hardwickii) that roosts in its upper pitchers. As reported in the article “A novel resource–service mutualism between bats and pitcher plants” by T. U. Grafe, C. R. Schöner, G. Kerth, A. Junaidi & M. G. Schöner, the plant gains an estimated 33.8% of the total foliar nitrogen from the faeces of the bats.

A field trip report by Stewart McPherson, who in 2007 visited Sumatra to observe in the wild the rare Nepenthes jacquelineae and Nepenthes izumiae, two Nepenthes species among the most spectacular of all pitcher plants.

Description, peculiarities and mysteries related to Heliamphora tatei, H. tyleri and H. macdonaldae, species collected in 1928 by the American botanist Henry Gleason during the epic expedition to Cerro Duida, in the heart of the Venezuelan Amazon.

* Viaggio in Australia - di R. e D. Cateni

A marvellous adventure in Australia, along the endless highways of Western Australia, the magnificent parks of the Northern Territories and the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. A journey completely immersed in nature where we found several different species of Drosera and Utricularia. In these stretches of emptiness we felt a deep sense of freedom and space as never before.

* Piante carnivore e Osmocote - di D. Sottili

Osmocote technology consists of a resin coating that encapsulates a nearly perfect sphere of NPK - nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, elements that provide the nutritional foundation of plants life: here the results of some experiments on two genera of carnivorous plants, Nepenthes and Cephalotus.

Pinguicula grandiflora, a new species for Italian flora. The occurrence of Pinguicula grandiflora subsp. grandiflora, previously unknown for the Italian flora, is reported for Valle d’Aosta, Western Italian Alps. A single population of less than 100 individuals was recorded at 2135 m a.s.l., while no other population was found in the surroundings, where P. alpina, P. leptoceras and P. vulgaris grow. The autochthony of the population and the biogeographic significance of the finding are discussed as well as the implications for its conservation and a recent palynological study.

This article deals with Botanical nomenclature: its history and its importance in correct taxonomic classification of plants; differences among scientific names, vulgar names and linguistic names; basic rules for citing scientific plant names in written language.AIPC also proposes Italian linguistic names for the current genera of carnivorous plant.

* Un anno di carnivore: le specie del 2009 - di M. Guerini

A list of the carnivorous plants described and published in 2009, each one with photos and a brief description.

* Piante carnivore da seme - di C. di Biase

An interesting overview about the main techniques used to stimulate germination of carnivorous plants seeds and a handful of tips to sow them.

Numero 19 - Settembre 2010

Articoli principali:

* Le Roridulaceae - di N. Hewitt-Copper

Cultivation notes and observations on the two sub-carnivorous Roridula species: R. gorgonias and R. dentata.

* Fine settimana con AIPC sulle Alpi Apuane - di G. Basso

A field trip report on Alpi Apuane looking for the two new Italian species of Pinguicula, recently described (Wulfenia, November 2009): P. mariae Casper and P. apuana Casper & Ansaldi.

* Patologie delle nepenti e relativi rimedi - di R. Zanetti

An overview of the most common diseases that attack Nepenthes in cultivation (caused by pests, fungi, mistakes in cultivation), how to treat them and the most suitable products available on the market.

* Drosera amazonica - di G. Bergamo

Drosera amazonica (F. Rivadavia, A. Vicentini, A. Fleischmann) is a new Drosera from the northern Amazon Basin, the northeastern Amazonas State and central Roraima State in Brazil. Its most remarkable characteristic is its seeds dispersal system, unique in the genus.

An astounding field trip report by Andy Smith, who in 2009 visited the Venezuelan Gran Sabana and some of its Tepuis to observe Heliamphora species in the wild, also finding many other interesting genera.

Here you can buy the CD containing the PDF English version of “A tour of the Venezuelan Gran Sabana and some of its Tepuis”

Drosera uniflora is a temperate sundew endemic to the sub-antarctic part of South America which has some unusual features that are solely and only partiallyfound also in D. stenopetala (endemic of New Zealand). This article ries to focus on all the issues relates to environment., life cycle and cultivation of this smallbut interesting south american sundew species, described in 1809 by Carl Ludwig Willdenow.

* Viaggio in Sabah - di R. e D. Cateni

A ten-days trip into the Malay territory of Borneo, throughout the Sabah region, confronting tropical cloud-bursts and various logistics problems. A successful one, though, as several species of Nepenthes were found alongside roads and mountain paths: N. rajah, N. burbidgeae, N. fusca, N. tentaculata, N. reinwardtiana,N. gracilis, N. rafflesiana, N. stenophylla and N. villosa, ending with the magnificent N. × kinabaluensis.

* La coltivazione del genere Genlisea - di A. Fleishmann

In this brief article the Author provides the main guidelines for cultivation of the genus Genlisea, to which twenty-two species are currently ascribed. Most of them live submerged at least part of their life, and all of them will need very wet conditions in order to germinate, grow well and flower, like many terrestrial bladderworts. An outline is also given about main threats and diseases and how to avoid them.

* La settima byblis: Byblis guehoi - di M. Saroldi

Byblis guehoi, discovered in 2004 by Russ Guého and published in 2008 by Allen Lowrie and John G. Conran, is briefly described. Its main characteristic is ofbeing compact, multi-branched and very floriferous. It is compared with the other tropical Byblis species in relation to some macroscopic features.

* Due nuove pinguicule italiane - di G. Basso

Two new italian species of Pinguicula from Alpi Apuane were published in November 2009: P. mariae Casper and P. apuana Casper & Ansaldi. More info andpictures will soon be published on AIPC magazine.

Drosera
magnifica Rivadavia & Gonella, the
largest New World sundew from Minas Gerais (southeastern Brazil) and one of the
three largest Drosera species, has just recently been discovered through
photographs posted on the social network Facebook.